Baby in Summer - Tips for Hot Days

Are you expecting a baby this summer? Congratulations!

I have put together a few tips for you so that you can really enjoy your first time together, even on hot summer days!

The right clothing for hot summer days

As a general rule, babies should always wear one more layer than you. However, if the temperature outside is above 30 degrees, your baby will probably be too hot and a single thin layer will be enough.

Good to know: Babies cannot regulate their own temperature at first, so they can quickly overheat or get cold.

Therefore, it is best to use the layering technique. This allows you to put a layer of clothing on or take it off your baby depending on the temperature and wind. In very warm temperatures, a short-sleeved bodysuit, thin pants and socks are sufficient. You should always protect the ears with a thin hat at the beginning. A sun hat, on the other hand, is not yet necessary for newborns.

The clothes should be made of natural materials such as cotton or linen. This will prevent your baby from sweating unnecessarily.
It is also practical if you always have a cotton diaper with you, so you can quickly change your baby if necessary.

Never go into the blazing sun

You can definitely take advantage of the beautiful summer days outside with your baby - but make sure you avoid the midday sun between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., because your baby's skin is still very thin and permeable to UV rays.
Therefore, during this period, it is better to stay indoors or under a large tree, as this provides natural shade that will protect you and your baby.
Shade providers such as parasols or sun canopies now often contain UV protection, which is indicated with USF or UPF. You should make sure that the value is at least 40, as this only lets through ¼ of the harmful UV radiation.

If you decide to go swimming in the afternoon, I recommend UV-protective clothing for your baby. However, remember that a newborn baby only finds a water temperature of 37 degrees comfortable!

Sunscreen yes or no?

Opinions differ when it comes to applying sunscreen to newborns. Some pediatricians do not recommend sunscreen during the first year of life, while others recommend sunscreens with mineral protection that are free of aluminum salts and preservatives.
Personally, I only applied sunscreen to my children in exceptional cases during their first year of life. And then only on unprotected parts of the body, such as the face, legs and arms.

Prevent heat build-up while walking

Walking is really fun on warm days! However, when buying your stroller, make sure that it has enough ventilation slots. Otherwise, heat can build up inside and your baby will quickly become too hot.

Even if you carry your baby in a sling, you still need to make sure that there is enough fresh air. You should therefore only dress your child in a thin bodysuit and socks, and you should also choose airy clothing for yourself. Otherwise, the walk will end with bright red faces and sweating attacks - and not just for your baby.

Adapt your breastfeeding rhythm to the summer temperatures

You will soon notice that your baby is much thirstier in the summer and you have to breastfeed more often than in colder temperatures. However, your baby does not need any additional water or tea bottles; breast milk is completely sufficient.

If your baby is bottle-fed, you can also offer boiled water. However, if you are feeding pre-formula, this step is not necessary. With all other formulas, overfeeding will lead to bloating and rapid weight gain.

Good to know: Please make sure that you drink enough water yourself! Not only babies and children need enough water in high temperatures, but adults too.

Photo credit: Unsplash/ Ksenia Makagonova